HAY

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

William Charles Hay, joyfully joined all the saints in heaven on Wednesday, May 30, 2001, surrounded by family and friends. "Bill" died a peaceful death in his home after a brief battle with lung cancer. W.C. Hay was born Nov. 8, 1912 in St. Paul, MN, son of Mary and Frances Hay. A graduate of USMA, West Point, 1936. Col. Hay served on General Omar Bradley's staff during WW II, where he was awarded the Legion of Merit. Before moving to Atlanta, GA in 1999, Bill lived eight years in Lisle, IL and was a 33 year resident of Elgin, IL. While in Elgin, Bill was an active member of St. Mary Parish, St. Edward Booster Club, the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post #1307, American Legion Post #57 and the Elk's Club. Before retiring, Bill worked for Marshall Field's Elgin Watch Company and was Public Relations Director for 15 years at Flick-Reedy Corp., Bensenvile, IL. He received seven awards from the Freedoms Foundation for his weekly newsletters. Bill was also the originator of the National Association of Service Managers (NASM) in 1953 and co-author of the book and film series, "Two Worlds". Mr. Hay lived his life in accordance with principles ingrained at West Point, "Duty, Honor, Country". Bill's wide ranging talents in writing and public speaking, paled in comparison to his love for God, his deep, abiding devotion to his wife of 49 years Myra, and their seven children and country. Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife Myra in 1987. Our precious dad and grandpa is survived by one son and three daughters; 14 grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren. His entire family is eternally grateful to him for the exemplary life he led, the wisdom he imparted, the lessons he taught, and the love he uniquely expressed to each of them. His presence on earth will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on forever. Visitation at O'Connor-Homeier Funeral Home, 364 Division, Elgin, IL, Friday, June 1st, 7 to 9 p.m. Rosary will be said at 8 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Church, Elgin, Saturday, June 2, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Bill's name to the West Point Fund, (www.aogusma.org), the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (www.msfacts.org/memory.htm) or to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, c/o Dr. Philip Gutin Research Lab, Box E, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10021.